La Cabeza de San Juan, Puerto Rico - Things to See and Do

What to see and do at La Cabeza de San Juan, Puerto Rico

Visited April 2024

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La Cabeza de San Juan in Puerto Rico includes a bioluminescent lagoon, mangroves, coral reefs, dry forests, and beaches

La Cabeza de San Juan is a nature reserve located near Fajardo in Puerto Rico. The reserve is nestled between headlands of the northeastern point of the island, It boasts diverse ecosystems, including a bioluminescent lagoon, mangroves, coral reefs, dry forests, and sandy and rocky Caribbean beaches. Laguna Grande, which is located in the reserve, is one of the brightest bioluminescent areas globally.

Whales—such as sperm, humpback, and pilot whales—have been spotted in the ocean near the reserve along with speckled dolphins and manatees. Nearly 100 bird species inhabit the Las Cabezas de San Juan reserve, including the Great Egret and the White-cheeked Pintail. Reptiles such as iguanas and amphibians can also be seen here.

We made a reservation through Para la Naturaleza to visit the La Cabeza de San Juan nature reserve on 4/12/2024. A guide took us by truck to the La Cabeza de San Juan lighthouse. We toured the lighthouse and then went to Los Lirios beach where the waves moving the rocks created musical sounds. Our guide then took us to the Laguna Grande bioluminescent lagoon where we walked on the boardwalk through the mangrove swamp on the shore of the lagoon.

The Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico offers tours of the reserve through Para la Naturaleza. While on the tour, you will explore the mangrove forest, visit the beautiful rocky beach called Los Lirios, and ascend the La Cabeza de San Juan Lighthouse for breathtaking views of northeastern Puerto Rico. Reservations for the guided tour called “Las Cabezas de San Juan” can be made from 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m on Mondays through Fridays at 787-722-5882 or by visiting Para la Naturaleza .

Tours of the Laguna Grande bioluminescent lagoon are available from several tour operators in Las Croabas and through Viator. Click here for information on the Viator tours.